Gazing up at this bronze figure, have you ever wondered about the story of Karl der Große Statue? This isn’t just any statue. It represents a figure known as the “Father of Europe” and even the founder of Hamburg.
The Karl der Große Statue stands here before St. Ansgar-Kirche. Many also call it “Kleiner Michel”. Karl der Große, or Charlemagne, lived from 768 to 814. He was more than just a king. He was an emperor of the Frankish and Roman empires.
Originally, this statue wasn’t here at all. Engelbert Peiffer created it for a grand fountain on the Fischmarkt. Imagine a towering fountain with lamps and a bronze figure of Karl der Große. Four lions with shields surrounded him. Peiffer also created monuments for Hamburg like the St. Ansgar statue and Adolf III statue on Trostbrücke.
But in 1918, the original Karl der Große statue met an unfortunate end. It was melted down. Thankfully, a model existed. In 1926, they recast a new bronze figure. The fountain stood until 1941. It was then removed to make way for a parking lot.
For decades, Karl der Große sat in a storage yard. Finally, in 1974, he found his home here. The church wanted to redesign the area. They thought Karl der Große fit perfectly. After all, he helped spread Christianity in the north.
Notice the statue itself. Karl der Große wears a crown. In his left hand, he holds a model of Hammaburg. Karl ordered a chapel built there to promote Christianity among the heathens.
Take a closer look at the four lions surrounding the Karl der Große Statue. These lions once stood around the original fountain. Each lion holds a shield. The shield to Karl’s right shows two crossed keys. It represents Archbishop Adalbert of Bremen. Next to it, facing Ludwig-Erhard-Straße, is a lion with a star wreath. This symbolizes Adalbert Krantz. To Karl der Große’s left, a lion holds a shield with a zigzag pattern. It represents Adolph IV von Schauenburg. The last lion has a shield with two hares and three oak leaves. This signifies Ditmar Koel.
Underneath the Karl der Große Statue, you’ll find a plaque. It calls Karl der Große “Father of Europe” and “Founder of Hamburg.” It also mentions his support for church reforms.
So, the Karl der Große Statue is more than just a monument. It’s a reminder of Hamburg’s history. It is a symbol of a powerful ruler who shaped Europe and left his mark on this city.